Christy Keener · September 13, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Mortgage Market Update

Christy Keener

Christy Keener

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Welcome back. This week I want to shed light on a financial asset many homeowners overlook.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.46%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Equity Check

Your home equity is working for you

If you've owned your home for a few years and made regular payments, you likely have built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. That equity is real money you own, and it can be useful when you need it. Some borrowers tap into their equity to fund home improvements, pay off higher-interest debt, or cover major expenses. Others leave it alone and let it grow. The key is knowing what you have available and understanding your options before you need them. If you're curious about how much equity you've built or what a cash-out refinance might look like, I'd be happy to walk through the numbers with you.

Let's talk about what your home equity could mean for your financial goals.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Christy Keener team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Christy Keener

Christy Keener

christy.keener@onerealmortgage.com

You are receiving this from Christy Keener.  Unsubscribe